Deciding to start a business can be one of the most exhilarating
decisions you make in your life. But there are a lot of moving parts and many
different elements to consider.
Here are 10 steps that provide an overview of the basic steps required
to start a business successfully. Take one step at a time, and you'll be on
your way to small business ownership.
Step 1: Get
Inspired
All businesses start from a common point - an idea. You may have
dreamed of starting your own business for years, or inspiration may have hit
you unexpectedly. Regardless of the source, the first step of starting your own
business is coming up with a business idea.
Step 2: Do Your
Research
You've identified your big idea, now it's time to balance it with a
little reality. Are you really ready to start a business? Take this starting a
business quiz to gauge your readiness and see what you need to prepare yourself
for business ownership.
The next stage of research you conduct in your small business start-up
process will help you figure out if your business idea has potential.
In order for a small business to be successful, it must solve a
problem, fulfill a need or offer something the market wants. There are a number
of ways you can identify this need, including research, focus groups, and even
trial and error. As you explore the market, some of the questions you should
answer include:
Is there a need for your
anticipated products/services?
Who needs it?
Are there other companies offering
similar products/services now?
What is the competition
like?
How will your business fit
into the market?
Don't forget to ask yourself some questions, too, about starting a
business before you take the plunge.
Step 3: Make a Plan
You need a plan in order to make your business idea a reality. If you
intend to seek financial support from an investor or financial institution, a
formal written business plan is a must.
Even if you don't anticipate seeking financial support, a simple
business plan can give you clarity about what you hope to achieve and how you
plan to do it.
In general, your business plan should outline your business goals and
the motivation behind them, as well as your plan for reaching your goals in
terms of marketing and funding.
Step 4: Plan Your
Finances
Starting a small business doesn't have to require a lot of money, but
it will involve some initial investment. There are a number of ways you can
fund your small business, including:
Financing
Small business grants
Angel investors
You can also attempt to get your business off the ground by
bootstrapping, using as little capital as necessary to start your business.
Step 5: Choose a
Business Structure
Your small business can be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a
limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation. The business structure you
choose will impact many factors from your business name, to your liability, to
how you file your taxes.
You may choose an initial business structure, and then reevaluate and
change your structure as your business grows and needs change.
Step 6: Pick and
Register Your Business Name
Your business name plays a role in almost every aspect of your
business, so you want it to be a good one. Make sure you think through all of
the potential implications as you explore your options and choose your business
name.
Once you have chosen a name for your business, you will need to check
if it's trademarked or currently in use. Then, you will need to register it. A sole
proprietor must register their business name with either their state or county
clerk. Corporations, LLCs, or limited partnerships typically register their
business name when the formation paperwork is filed.
Don't forget to register your domain name once you have selected your
business name.
Step 7: Get
Licenses and Permits
Paperwork is a part of the process when you start your own business.
There are a variety of small business licenses and permits that may apply to
your situation, depending on the type of business you are starting and where
you are located. You will need to research what licenses and permits apply to
your business during the start-up process.
Step 8: Set Up Your
Business Location
Setting up your place of business is important for the operation of
your business, whether you will have a home office, a shared or private office
space, or a retail location.
You will need to think about your location, equipment, and overall
setup, and make sure your business location works for the type of business you
will be doing.
Step 9: Choose Your
Accounting System
Small businesses run most effectively when there are systems in place.
One of the most important systems for a small business is an accounting system.
Your accounting system is necessary in order to create and manage your
budget, set your rates, conduct business with others, and file your taxes. You
can set up your accounting system yourself, or hire an accountant to take away
some of the guesswork.
Step 10: Promote
Your Small Business
Once your business is up and running, you need to start attracting
clients and customers. You'll want to start with the basics by writing a unique
selling proposition (USP) and creating a marketing plan.
Then, explore as many small business marketing ideas as possible so
you can decide how to promote your business most effectively.
Once you have completed these business start-up activities, you will
have all of the most important small business bases covered, and be ready for
small business success.
